Hanakapiai Falls
Hanakapiai Falls
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JERI J
Nampa, ID11 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Wow, what a hike! Challenging but worth it at the end, beautiful Hanakapiai Falls! You will need lots of water and hiking poles are most helpful as the trail is up and down, very rough in places where you almost have to crawl up and down, and rivers to cross. Good hiking shoes are a must as well as comfortable hiking clothes. The views along the way are spectacular. If you're not an avid hiker, you can do it but take it slow. It tooks us all day to go in and back. At the falls, you can jump in and cool off before trekking back. About 4 miles one way!
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert
Orem, UT25 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This was a hard hike, but so much fun to do. My wife and I took the 6:40 shuttle there, started the hike around 7:15, and we finished the hike at about 2:15, so took us 7 hours. The first part of the hike is constant up and down, it really climbs up a bit at first. The views from the top of the Na'Pali Coast are so beautiful. 2 miles in you get to the beach, which was really pretty, but not good for swimming, it can be dangerous. The trail continues on away from the beach with bathrooms off to the right. After an initial climb, this part of the hike is flatter, but you are still constantly walking over/around rocks, roots, and mud. After a while the trail gets pretty tough, at times it felt more like rock climbing than hiking. The trail isn't very well marked at times and we had to backtrack a few feet a couple of times, but it was pretty easy to find where we went wrong and where the trail actually went. There are a number of river crossings and you can cross them how you would prefer. I would say most people, including myself, hopped across the rocks and managed to keep our feet dry, it wasn't too difficult. The river crossing by the beach after the first two miles is the hardest to cross on the rocks, I took my shoes off for that one. The waterfall is absolutely incredible. The water is surprisingly cold, and swimming in it is a great way to cool off and refresh after the hike out there. I hiked in my swimsuit and a t-shirt, my wife hiked with her swimsuit underneath some clothes, so we could both swim. Even if you don't swim, you'll cool off here with the constant cool breeze and mist that blows on you while you're there. We brought a picnic lunch to eat there and had a really good time. We were pretty wiped by the end of the hike, but we absolutely loved it and were glad we did it. Prepare to get wet from the rain and have your feet/legs covered in mud by the end. I don't know what days they do it, but we hiked on a Tuesday and there was a Farmer's Market at the shuttle dropoff location that we perused around after the shuttle ride back. Overall, it was an incredibly fun hike.
Written 18 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary R
Cascade, ID46 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Magical trail….we had a blue bird day for most of the day. Trail was pretty dry and not too strenuous especially if you take your time and take in all the beauty the trail has to offer. Rode the 6:30 am shuttle which I highly suggest. You have all day to explore without a rush to get out if you only reserved parking for 1 or 2 time slots.Bring plenty of water- 2 liters.
Written 11 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
family2006
Calgary, Alberta, Canada45 contributions
Feb 2023
We booked the shuttle 30 days in advance for ourselves and our 3 kids (ages 15, 19, 23). It had rained for several days so our first bus trip was cancelled (flooding over the road). We rebooked for a few days later. The hike was only 15 km but was so muddy that it was not enjoyable at all. We hike often in the Canadian Rocky's but had never hiked through so much slippery mud.
The river crossings were also a little sketchy (up over our knees with a strong current). I think there were five river crossings, each way, there and back. When we got to the waterfall there was so much flow over the falls that we couldn't get close to them and certainly couldn't swim at the base of the falls. Overall disappointing. If I could do this again I would only like the first mile in - to see the views down the coast. If the trail had been dry, it would have been fine. With all the slippery mud the hike took us close to 8 hours. If you go bring bug spray (the bugs were awful) and water shoes for the river crossings.
The river crossings were also a little sketchy (up over our knees with a strong current). I think there were five river crossings, each way, there and back. When we got to the waterfall there was so much flow over the falls that we couldn't get close to them and certainly couldn't swim at the base of the falls. Overall disappointing. If I could do this again I would only like the first mile in - to see the views down the coast. If the trail had been dry, it would have been fine. With all the slippery mud the hike took us close to 8 hours. If you go bring bug spray (the bugs were awful) and water shoes for the river crossings.
Written 5 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kobuck1369
Washington DC, DC62 contributions
Feb 2023
Mud, mud, and more mud .. muddy, muddy, muddy .. We are talking 4 inches or more of mud for 8 miles. It not just dry mud.. its the wet, liquid kind .. 8 whole miles of a path that is slick as oil, up and down the mountain, over rocks and tree roots. . This trail is incredible dangerous .. and the water crossings were equally dangerous. This is a hike that is over the top gross, nasty, and very difficult. Throw out the shoes at the end .. there is no redemption. Tide will not make these come clean - ever. Saw some pretty stupid people trying to do this in flip flops and open toed sandals. Saw a mother carrying a 8 month old baby on her front. Saw elderly people risking their life trying to go up and over the mountain. This path is not for the weak and elderly. It rained frequently ... so you will be soaked for 8 miles. The path is filled with people you are trying to step around. The park service does nothing to improve conditions. It is dangerous and a big hazard. If you work on a farm and are familiar with cleaning slop out of the cow barn, you will fit right in with this hike. It will feel like second nature. The mud is overwhelming. The end of the first 2 miles to the beach was slick as ice going downhill .. be sure to hold onto the grass and twigs along the way to help stabilize you. Was the water fall worth it? It is stunning, but the hike was incredibly painful and scary most of the way up and down. You can easily become injured either twisting your ankle or breaking some bone in a fall. We fell many times on this hike.
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ell S
Seattle, WA24 contributions
Dec 2022
Trail is moderate to difficult. Wear good hiking shoes. The trek is worth the experience. Bring water (went through 2 liters - and lunch)
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne K
Ottawa, Canada157 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
We took a shuttle to the start of the hike. The views are breathtaking. We hiked to the falls and had lunch. It was a hot day but rained along the way and then was quite chilly at the falls. Pack water, food layers and rain gear and wear proper hiking shoes and you will be fine. Great way to tire out teenagers!
Written 8 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather D
6 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
As a regular hiker I doubted the other reviews about how hard this leg to the waterfall was. It is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced hiker. There is lots of bouldering, rock hoping over streams, and at times climbing in your hands and knees or going down on your butt. You need good hiking shoes, hiking poles are helping and camelback water bladders are a plus. Do not recommend for children! When you get to the falls - take it in! The photos do not do it justice. Swim under the falls, have some lunch (that you packed) and catch your breath. The 1/4 mile out of the falls is tough. And then the mile after the beach is no joke - straight Up hill in the blistering heat with little shade.
Written 12 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coldings
Copenhagen, Denmark513 contributions
Sep 2022
You already see this magnificent fall from 1-2 km's distance and once you arrive at the pool at the foot of the fall the cool but comfortable water is a splendid reward. Plan to spend at least 1 hour here to swim and just take in the fertile valley of ferns and others tropical flora while enjoying a picnic right at the foot of the waterfall. You cannot expect to have all this to yourself but even so, it somehow aplifies to experience to hear all the other hikers' enthusiatic sreams of joy when they swim under and behind the giant waterfall curtain. Expect a 3 hour hike to get here from the trailhead, the last 2 km quite difficult, but all worth it.
Written 11 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar519714
2 contributions
Sep 2022
The falls are breathtaking but it is definitely a strenuous hike - close to 9 miles but they are steep, hot, and at times dangerous. I would not say this is for the faint of heart! As you get closer to the water fall the trail becomes less clear, you have to pay close attention to trail markers and there's a good amount of bouldering required. For experienced/avid hikers with proper footwear and plenty of water, it's a fun hike with a great payoff. Just note even if you go early you are most likely walking back in pretty intense heat without much shade for the last 2-3 miles. I would not recommend taking children.
Written 5 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
632val_riep
1 contribution
Bonjour ! Je voulais savoir combien de temps il faut prévoir pour la randonnée complète ?
Merci !
Can I currently hike to the trail/falls or has access been closed off due to the recent flooding?
I am currently on the island. July 17 and the trail access is still closed unless someone knows a bypass or way around road blocks. FEMA has the area restricted as many residents are current displaced living in a school.
Can I get to the Hanakapiai Trail/Falls right now? Or is it closed off from the flooding?
Thanks!
Megan R
Seattle, WA10 contributions
So did you go recently or not? I am trying to figure out what is still closed and what is not but there is so much mixed information out there. Thanks.
Megan R
Seattle, WA10 contributions
Got it. From my research it appears that the falls are inaccessible due to the flooding that happened in late April. I can confirm that camping and hiking the Napali coast is closed.
superbford
Texas Gulf Coast, TX206 contributions
Last time we were in Kauai my wife and I did the trip to the beach no problem. Sadly we didn't have time to make it to the falls and back. My question is this: Is the trail to the falls well marked? I've read yes and no at a couple of different places. Thanks. Fingers crossed for good weather to get the 8 mile round trip hike done this time.
Gintas
Willowbrook, IL337 contributions
its so buisy you cant get lost there.its like ant trail.Not easy one though.much more rocks mud and stream crosings.walking pole a plus
Where exactly does the trail start? And where is the best place to park?
Heather h
Cary, NC414 contributions
We started near Kalalau Beach. There's limited parking if you arrive before 7 or 8am. Otherwise a quarter mile from the beach is a parking lot. Just be careful driving in because it has a steep drop off and lots of holes.
Hi! Are choco sandals alright or should I wear hiking shoes?
Nikeflies
Hartford, CT45 contributions
Really depends on the conditions that day. If it's been rainy and muddy, you may want something more stable. If it's been dry, you'll be fine in chacos. My wife did the entire hike in chacos on a relatively dry day and really liked being able to cross the streams without staying wet.
charlielove19
Sydney, Australia17 contributions
Are there any easy access rope swings or rock pools similar in kaui that are much more safe and still really unique?
Mark T
Maumee, OH266 contributions
I do not remember any rope swings. There are some pools in the river going to the falls that you can get in.
charlielove19
Sydney, Australia17 contributions
Is it a hard trail to walk? Is it okay to swim in? What about in the winter?
Mark T
Maumee, OH266 contributions
The beach area is not safe to swim at. The falls is great to swim at. This is a lot more than a little walk to the falls. You need to be in descent shape.
Msuwaterski
19 contributions
Is this hike okay to do in the rain?
No. We did it in the rain and it became extremely dangerous. By the time we returned, they had closed the trail. Expect the muddy trail to turn into a running muddy creek, and the knee high river crossings to be waist deep Rapids. Expect misery.
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